The European Investment Bank (EIB) has agreed to advise the Ukrainian government on the development of major infrastructure projects. This new cooperation focuses on the reconstruction of essential road, railway and energy networks. The agreement was signed in Kyiv between the EIB and the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine. It creates a formal path for the bank to help local authorities prepare investments as the nation works toward joining the European Union.

This partnership is part of a project preparation initiative called Ukraine FIRST. The programme was created by the EIB alongside the European Commission and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). To date, the initiative has secured more than €40 million in funding. Its main objective is to turn broad infrastructure needs into specific projects that are ready for implementation through feasibility studies and technical designs.

Initial work under this accord will focus on the M15 highway in southern Ukraine. This route connects Odesa with the Romanian border. Improving this corridor will help modernise transport links and provide better access to ports on the Danube River. These upgrades are intended to support trade and help the country connect more effectively with the rest of Europe.

“This agreement is an important step in supporting Ukraine’s recovery and EU accession plans through well-prepared investments,” said EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer. “Strong project preparation is essential to ensure that infrastructure investments are delivered efficiently, attract financing and meet European standards.”

The Ukrainian Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Finance and Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories are all participating in the programme. The initiative ensures that projects meet international standards at the local, regional and national levels. Other future projects within the “Single Project Pipeline” are expected to involve investments in energy and rail systems.

“We consider Public Investment Management reform to be a key instrument that ensures the strategic use of public resources and international assistance. Today, the main challenge is not only the availability of funding, but also the quality of projects and their readiness for investment and implementation,” said Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Oleksii Sobolev. “The agreement we have signed strengthens our partnership with the EIB: Ukraine FIRST will help prepare priority projects in line with international standards at all levels – national, regional, and local – and this will accelerate Ukraine’s recovery and long-term development.”